Louis Vuitton’s Menswear Director is Stepping Down

It has been announced that Louis Vuitton’s menswear director Kim Jones will be exiting the brand following Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2018 menswear show on January 18th 2:30 PM Paris time.

Kim Jones joined Paris-based fashion house Louis Vuitton as its menswear director 7 years ago, making his debut during the Spring/Summer 2012 season. Jones is known for bringing eclectic elements into his men’s collection designs, as he seamlessly incorporated elements of streetwear from his involvement in the culture. Under his watch, Louis Vuitton’s menswear division has been one to watch for everyone from classic Vuitton fans to Supreme cult followers.

“It has been a huge privilege to work with Kim,” Michael Burke, Vuitton’s chairman and the chief executive officer told WWD and praised Kim’s “ability to set trends” along with his talent and perseverance. “All of us who have been fortunate to work with Kim wish him continued success in his next venture.”

A graduate of Central St Martins College of Art and Design, Kim launched his own label in 2003 following a three-year tenure as creative director of British luxury goods brand Alfred Dunhill. Kim has designed and worked for varies companies including Uniqlo, Topman, Umbro producing Umbro by Kim Jones, Mulberry, Louis Vuitton, McQ by Alexander McQueen, Hugo Boss and Iceberg.

Louis Vuitton has yet to appointed a successor and Kim has not made clear what he will do next. Speculation arose that Kim may be headed to Burberry as Kim’s name has been floated as a contender for Burberry according to WWD, which is seeking a successor to Chief Creative Officer, Christopher Bailey, who is to exit at the end of March. WWD also reported on Italian fashion house Versace holding discussions to bring Kim on board, but a deal has yet to surface and the speculation has never been confirmed.